A new executive director, John Brennan, will start at the Joslyn Center in May.
The Joslyn Center, a Palm Desert nonprofit focused on services for older adults, has appointed John Brennan as its new executive director, it was announced April 17.
Brennan's background includes executive roles centered on organizational growth, team development, and building partnerships with boards, employees, donors, and the broader community, according to the organization.
"We are delighted to welcome John to the Joslyn Center," said Barbara Mitchell, board president. "His leadership experience, combined with his passion for strengthening community connections and his passion for older adults, makes him an ideal fit for this next chapter in the Center's history."
Brennan said he is looking forward to working with the board, staff, volunteers, and community partners to advance the organization's priorities.
"The Center plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being of older adults, and I look forward to contributing to its mission and expanding its meaningful and visible impact on people's lives," Brennan said. "I believe my experience in leading community-focused organizations especially in senior living, building strong teams, and fostering relationships would allow me to make a positive contribution to the Joslyn Center."
The appointment comes after a period of scrutiny over the organization's governance. At an October 2025 Palm Desert City Council meeting, a group of Joslyn Center members raised concerns after the board removed the center's previous executive director, saying they were unable to obtain information about the dismissal and were asked to leave when they pressed for answers.
Members at that meeting also reported that security had been hired for board meetings, a development they said had eroded trust in leadership. Several said they intended to circulate a petition of no confidence.
Among the changes members requested were advance notice of board meetings, opportunities for members to speak, the addition of active center members as voting board members, residency requirements for board members within the three cities that help fund the center, and member participation in future executive director hiring.
At a more recent council meeting, Councilmember Karina Moreno — who attended a Joslyn board meeting — told her colleagues the board is making progress on those concerns.
"They've got some great things moving along," Moreno said. "They're working on bylaws and progressing to meet the community's requests for transparency."
Moreno also said the board is exploring ways to expand programming, including the possible addition of animal services alongside its senior services mission.
While the city provides funding to the Joslyn Center through the Cove Communities Service Commission, a city spokesperson noted that the center operates as an independent nonprofit and that the City Council and city manager do not have authority over the board's governance decisions.
"The city takes community concerns seriously while also recognizing the Center's independent structure," the spokesperson said.
Brennan is scheduled to begin his role on May 21.